Somatoform Disorders

ABSTRACT

The fields of neurology and psychiatry were originally practiced as a unitary model. As the fields dichotomized patients into “organic” and “functional,” patients with medically unexplained symptoms fell between the borderlands. Despite their significant prevalence, somatoform disorders (SDs) are grossly under-recognized and lack effective treatments. This article reviews diagnostic criteria, differential diagnoses, examination findings, and treatments for these disorders. A summary of advances in research in functional neuroimaging and treatment trials is also given.

KEYWORDS

Somatoform disorders - conversion disorders - examination - diagnosis - treatment

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